Clandestine Drug Labs

Illegal drug labs are extremely hazardous to occupants and neighbors. Persons who manufacture illegal drugs use a wide variety of hazardous materials including flammable solvents, acids, strong caustics, combustible metals, and anhydrous ammonia. Many of these are inhalation hazards and others can cause severe burns. Residual contamination may remain because the hazardous chemicals that are used in the manufacture of drugs can cause contamination of porous wall and floor coverings, heat and air conditioning vents, and furnishings.

Property owners are responsible for cleaning up their own property before it is reoccupied or sold. IDEM provides a listing of qualified inspectors on its Web site to help property owners clean their property. IDEM conducts training for qualified inspectors on a periodic basis. This training includes information on Indiana's new illegal drug lab cleanup rule, health and safety requirements, sampling and lab analysis, waste disposal, and cleanup techniques and considerations.